Islam Times - Iran to Launch Upgraded Kowsar Satellite in Coming Months

Islam Times - Iran plans to launch an advanced version of the 'Kowsar' satellite in the first half of the next Iranian year, which begins on March 22, 2025, according to Hussein Shahraabi, the CEO of Omid Space private company.

Shahraabi, disclosed the upcoming satellite launch during a visit by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution to an exhibition showcasing private sector achievements, the Mehr News Agency reported.

"The Kowsar and Hodhod satellites, designed and manufactured by Omid Space company and Dideh Pardaz Saba, were launched on November 6 this year aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket," Shahraabi stated,

He explained that both satellites were developed to enhance precision agriculture, with Kowsar dedicated to remote sensing and Hodhod focusing on the Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

Highlighting the domestic production of these satellites, Shahraabi added, "Over 85% of the satellite components are locally produced. Even if all parts were imported, the project would still be considered indigenous due to the local design and manufacturing processes."

Shahraabi acknowledged the challenges posed by sanctions but noted, "Despite the obstacles, we have successfully overcome them."

He further announced that a hybrid version of the Kowsar and Hodhod missions, named Kowsar 1.5, is scheduled for launch in the first half of next Iranian year. Efforts are underway to secure investment to design and produce a constellation of these satellites.

Discussing the government's role in advancing the space industry, Shahraabi said, "The greatest service the government can provide is to guarantee the market for space services and pre-purchase these services."

He also emphasized the importance of reducing technological risks in the knowledge-based sector, which he described as a crucial government responsibility.

Shahraabi called for the removal of unreasonable regulatory barriers, adding, "The insufficient understanding of the space industry by regulatory bodies has led to reduced confidence”.

In November 2024, Iran's private space sector achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the Kowsar and Hodhod satellites aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket.

This marked the country’s first private venture into satellite production and space deployment.

Kowsar, a 30-kilogram high-resolution sensing satellite, is designed for precision agriculture and environmental monitoring, featuring a resolution capability of 3.45 meters.

Hodhod, a CubeSat, aims to enhance Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity in remote areas. Both satellites orbit at 500 kilometers, representing a leap forward in Iran's space technology ambitions.